Maple Town and Hike at Mountsberg
Taste the Season: Escape to Mountsberg for Maple Magic, Owls & Forest Trails
Steam rises from the sugar shanty as 150-year-old maples drip with crystal-clear sap. At Mountsberg Conservation Area's beloved Maple Town, you'll discover how this liquid transforms into Ontario's sweetest tradition. Then taste the results for yourself with pancakes drizzled in house-made syrup.
But the magic doesn't stop at the sugar bush. Watch magnificent owls, hawks, and eagles demonstrate their hunting prowess at the renowned Raptor Centre, where injured birds of prey serve as ambassadors for their wild cousins. After the shows, join our guided hike through awakening spring forests, where returning songbirds and budding maples signal winter's end. No car needed, no parking hassles, just pure countryside charm an hour west of Toronto.
Ticket Prices:
- Regular: $75
- Students / Seniors: $67
- Children: $52
Pickup Locations
What's Included
- Round-trip coach transportation from downtown Toronto
- Mountsberg Conservation Area admission and parking
- Guided maple syrup production tour and demonstration
- Fresh maple syrup tasting experience
- Guided nature walks through sugarbush forests
What's included in my ticket?
Your Parkbus ticket covers round-trip transportation from downtown Toronto (34 Asquith Avenue), park admission to Maple Town, access to the bird shows at the Raptor Centre, and a guided afternoon hike. Pancake meals, wagon rides, and other add-on experiences are available for purchase at the park.
What happens at Maple Town?
You'll have about two hours to explore the sugar bush, where interpreters demonstrate tree-tapping techniques and sap-boiling methods that have barely changed in centuries. Watch educators make fresh maple candy in the Sugar Shanty, sample maple taffy, and browse the Country Store for maple treats to bring home.
Tell me about the bird shows.
The Mountsberg Raptor Centre houses over 30 birds of prey representing 20 species—including Great Horned Owls, Bald Eagles, Harris's Hawks, and tiny American Kestrels. During the shows, knowledgeable handlers bring out live birds and share their remarkable adaptations and rescue stories.
What's the guided hike like?
Our afternoon hike follows the Sugar Bush Trail and surrounding paths through maple forest and alongside the Mountsberg Reservoir. The terrain is mostly flat with packed dirt and gravel surfaces—comfortable for most fitness levels. Expect gentle rolling paths, observation towers with water views, and plenty of opportunities to spot returning spring birds.
What should I bring?
Dress in layers—March days can swing from crisp mornings to mild afternoons. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended as trails may be muddy during spring thaw. Bring a water bottle, snacks if you prefer not to purchase food at the park, and a camera for the raptors and scenery.
Is the pancake breakfast included?
The pancake meal is an optional purchase at Maple Town's Pancake Pavilion. Meals range from individual portions to family-sized platters, all served with Mountsberg's own maple syrup. Arrive hungry!
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome in most areas of the park and must remain on a 2-metre leash. However, dogs are not permitted in the Raptor Centre area or near the farm animals.
What if the weather is bad?
The trip runs rain or shine—maple season waits for no one! Many demonstrations occur under cover, and the Sugar Shanty and Candy Cabin are heated. If conditions are particularly challenging, the guided hike may be modified. Dress appropriately for the forecast.
How long is the bus ride?
Mountsberg is approximately one hour west of downtown Toronto. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we leave the city behind.
What time do we return to Toronto?
The bus departs Mountsberg at 2:30 PM and arrives back at 34 Asquith Avenue by approximately 3:30-4:00 PM, depending on traffic.
